Gasoline engine as a flexi fuel engine

In this project, the effect of ethanol (E85) on the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of a gasoline engine were evaluated using a dynamometer. Two fuels were compared to gasoline. During the tests environmental conditions were kept constant, as well as engine parameters, such as engine load.

Positive effect with ethanol

Ethanol as a fuel for gasoline engines can have a positive effect on emissions. During the research programme a BioCarKit was used. This system was mounted between the injectors and the MMS and was immediately effective. The focus of the research programme is effects on materials of the fuel system, manufacturer’s warranty issues, fuel consumption and emissions.  

User tests

Real-life tests with several vehicles of employees of local authorities will be conductedin the project, the involved vehicles will be equipped with the BioCarKit. The focus of the approach in the real-life tests is the seasonal effects on fuel consumption and fuel system behaviour. Another focus area in the programme is the extrapolation of the (local) test results to different populations; such as the Dutch Vehicle fleet, or effect related to a specific vehicle brand.

Research issues

Research issues are the user experiences en drivability of the vehicles using ethanol (E85) fuel. One of the issues focused on, is the compatibility of materials of the vehicle fuelling system and ethanol (E85). In the fuel specifications (EN228) a limited percentage of alcohol-related liquids is allowed in the basic fuel. From this can be concluded that modern fuelling systems must be resistant to limited levels of ethanol. However, in this project 85% of ethanol is used, well over the limits.

Research of the University on Minnesota showed that no problems should be expected; this test programme will prove whether these effects will establish themselves in the Netherlands.